Judge Blocks DHS Policies Requiring Notice for Congressional Visits to ICE Facilities
On December 17, 2025, U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb in Washington, DC issued a ruling that blocked Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policies which barred unannounced congressional visits to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field offices and required seven days' notice prior to such visits.
The ruling found that these DHS policies violated a 2020 federal law that prohibits ICE from requiring prior notice to Members of Congress for oversight visits to detention facilities. The 2020 law explicitly bars prior notice of intent to enter facilities for congressional oversight purposes.
This decision temporarily blocks the DHS policies while a lawsuit filed by twelve Democratic House members, led by Representative Joe Neguse, proceeds. The plaintiffs come from a diverse group of states including California, Colorado, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, and Texas.
Democrats argue that unannounced visits are necessary to monitor ICE detention facilities properly due to concerns over maltreatment, overcrowding, and poor sanitation conditions. Judge Cobb, who was appointed by President Biden, issued this ruling in support of congressional oversight access rights.
